Retailers anticipate 'fewer discounts' this sales period 

The summer sales period starts on Tuesday, which retailers expect to be "active with movement" but with "fewer discounts" than last year.  

Also known as 'Rebaixes,' this discount period gives retailers an opportunity to clear out stock, and consumers the chance to freshen up their wardrobe.  

Representatives for Comercia, a small-business organization, told the Catalan News Agency (ACN) that they expect discounts this year to range from 20%-50%, and in some cases 60%.

Although Tuesday is the start of the sales period, major brands have already begun to offer discounts, undermining the start.  

"We are training the consumer to expect permanent discounts," Pilar Mínguez, director of the employers' association Pimen Comerç, told ACN. "There are constant promotions, and it's like a binge; it distorts what the sales period used to be – both summer and winter." 

 

The association noted that small businesses tend to wait until Tuesday to begin their campaigns, but with larger companies, campaigns started last Friday and will intensify in mid-July.  

Despite this, shop owners still believe that consumers will spend more this year. The Retail and Services guild estimates that sales revenue will increase by at least 5% compared to 2024 sales.  

Mínguez explained that stores are entering this year's campaign with fewer unsold items than previously and therefore there will be "fewer discounts and less variety in products" offered. This is an important factor in the campaign, which comes following an increase in household consumption.  

The president of Comercia, Ignasi Pietx, said some business sectors are doing very well economically and don't feel the need to offer discounts to attract customers. Among Comercia's members, Pietx reports that half predict this year's campaign will be better than last year's, while half expect the numbers to match 2024's.  

Both Pimec Comerç and Comercia downplayed the impact of high temperatures on shopping habits.  

"During sales periods, people prefer to go into stores and try things on," said Pietx, "Maybe it's more of an impulsive purchase." 

Mínguez also offered some advice to avoid being blinded by discounts.  

"We recommend making a list, checking your wardrobe to see exactly what items are needed, and setting a budget to avoid impulse buying."